Almost everyone can name thier birthstone, but have you ever wondered how these stones came to be associated with particular months? Most gem and jewelry scholars trace the tradition to the Old Testament bible story of Aaron, whose breast plate was adorned with twelve precious stones, one each for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD .
- Exodus 28:29 NIV
The Breastplate of Aaron is of interest to gem scholars because it is one of the earliest accountings
of gemstones used as both decoration and symbol. Aaron was the brother of Moses, and the leader of the tribe which
was appointed as high priests.
The breastplate is described (Exodus 28:15-20) as the "Breastplate of Decision" or "Breastplate of Judgement", and is adorned with twelve gems -- one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel. The gemstones were to be
attached in four rows of three and each gem was to have the name of a tribe inscribed upon it.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for contemporary translators
to determine an absolute interpretation of which modern gemstone names equate to the ancient biblical descriptions
of the stones of the high priest's breastplate. Therefore,
the list of gems used varies dependent on the translation which is cited.
Listed below are some of the most popular translations. |
New International Version (NIV)
- Row 1: ruby, topaz, beryl
- Row 2: turquoise, sapphire (or lapis lazuli), emerald
- Row 3: jacinth, agate, amethyst
- Row 4: chrysolite, onyx, jasper
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New American Standard Bible (NASB)
- Row 1: ruby, topaz, emerald
- Row 2: turquoise, sapphire, diamond
- Row 3: jacinth, agate, amethyst
- Row 4: beryl, onyx, jasper
|
New Living Translation (NLT)
- Row 1: red carnelian, chrysolite, emerald
- Row 2: turquoise, sapphire, white moonstone
- Row 3: jacinth, agate, amethyst
- Row 4: beryl, onyx, jasper
|
King James Version (KJV)
- Row 1: sardius, topaz, carbuncle
- Row 2: emerald, sapphire, diamond
- Row 3: ligure, agate, amethyst
- Row 4: beryl, onyx, jasper
|
New King James Version (NKJV)
- Row 1: sardius, topaz, emerald
- Row 2: turquoise, sapphire, diamond
- Row 3: jacinth, agate, amethyst
- Row 4: beryl, onyx, jasper
|
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
- Row 1: sardius, topaz, carbuncle
- Row 2: emerald, sapphire, diamond
- Row 3: jacinth, agate, amethyst
- Row 4: beryl, onyx, jasper
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| Througout time, these gemstones have been linked with certain powers and tied to particular astrological signs, and later to month calendar.
Some other variations of birthstone lists include Mystical birthstones, which originate from Tibet and date back over a thousand years, and Ayurvedic birthstones, associated with ancient Indian medicine and beliefs. Birthstones have also been tied to ancient Pagan religions, and even to the collective wisdom of the legendary lost city of Atlantis.
The Modern birthstone list was released by the American National Association of Jewelers, and officially adopted in 1912. Whether you embrace birthstone lore, or look upon it with a skeptical eye, there is an undeniable appeal to collecting a beautiful gemstone that is reputed to hold special power, meaning, and good fortune just for you. |
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